Brailes Parish Council

Minutes of the August meeting of the Parish Council

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 28th AUGUST 2007 at 7.30pm in the Methodist Room

Apologies for Absence:-
Mrs. B. Manley.
Present:-
Mrs. G. Woods, Mrs. B. Foster, Mr. R. Cheney, Mr. C Righton. Mr. N. Drury and Mr. A. Jervis, Cllr. P. Seccombe, Cllr. C. Saint, and 15 members of the public.
Disclosure of Interests:-
None.
Minutes:-
Minutes of the Meeting of July 30th approved and signed and Minutes of the Meeting of August 20th approved and signed.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:-
Neighbourhood Watch:-
Mr. Davison wondered what had become of our Neighbourhood Watch. It was agreed to invite Mr. D. Packer to our next meeting to report. (Mr. Packer could also report as our Representative on the Governing body of the School.)
Cllr Saint reported:-
The County Development Fund is there for any grants needed for work to, for example, the village hall. The closing date for applications is Sept 21st. No News Letter this month but there are a number of new government regulations that are being studied at this time.
Cllr Seccombe reported:-
The Tender for the rubbish collection is being studied as Biffa's contract will expire in the coming year.
MATTERS ARISING:-
Report of Flood Committee:-
Mr. J. Hyland spoke of the formation of a Committee and subsequent meetings with Carol Hemmings, SDC and Mr. Jeff Morris, WCC. Carol Hemmings promised to produce a survey by late September and this was eagerly awaited. Jeff Morris promised to have the gullies cleaned and jetted where necessary before the end August. Nothing had been done so far which was unacceptable. Mr. Hyland said he had toured the village during heavy rain and marked the drains that seemed to be a problem. Sutton Lane Housing came under discussion as the cones are still in place. The Clerk said she had contacted the County who were liasing with South Warwickshire Housing. Coping stones needed to be replaced on the bridge and it was agreed the Parish Council would ask for quotes for this work. A fence was also needed Mr. Hyland felt and Mr. N. Drury was asked to draw up a schedule and quote. Again the Parish Council were being asked to pay for this work. Cllr. Seccombe spoke of money available to help all those people who were flooded. £250 each could be claimed and he said he would back anyone claiming. It was agreed that riparian owners should be encouraged to clean out their part of the stream.
Lighting:-
A letter from a resident was handed out and Councillors agreed that there was nothing further they would do. The light that was being replaced was still on. The Clerk would speak to the County. The Clerk asked which lights in the village were to receive low energy lamps? The Council said that they should start from the top end of the village. Four had already been promised so that six new ones would be asked for.
Trees /Hedges:-
The Clerk had reported some of the hedges that needed attention and had had replies. The Clerk felt that perhaps a telephone call would serve the purpose better than a letter in future. Springfield House needed the hedge cut back again.
NEW ITEMS:-
Best Kept Village:-
The report stated: It is always difficult to keep on top of litter issues but with three or four empty discarded beer bottles littering the children's play area where, if broken they could have been a danger, this area was marked down. The area around the church was clean and tidy, however a poster for Dare Devil Stunt Show on Wednesday 2nd May was still in prime position opposite the green four weeks after the event. Notice Boards seemed cluttered by out of date notices. The pub seemed to contribute to the colour as did the garage but unfortunately the shops seemed to make less effort. The Village Green and grass verges in Lower Brailes contrasted poorly to the high standards observed in the High Street area of Upper Brailes. Mr Righton explained that the grass cutting was stopped after mowing Upper Brailes because of the heavy rain. Litter picking in the play area was being done by a resident at times but it was difficult to find someone who would do it on a regular basis.
Social Housing:-
Mr C Barlow had written regarding a proposed meeting on October 3rd at Long Compton with representatives from Eden, Berwick and Uttlesford. There could be up to 50 visitors including representatives from Long Compton and Brailes Parish Councils, Stratford District Council (Officers and Members) the Warwickshire Rural Housing Association, South Warwickshire Housing Association and WRCC. The event will start around mid-day and end at about 4 pm. The main aim of the visit is for the Parish Councillors to become better acquainted with the "Local Choice" initiative and to look specifically at the completed schemes in Long Compton and Brailes. Mr. C. Righton said he would attend and report for Brailes. It was agreed to invite Mr. Barlow to our next meeting for an update on any progress he has made towards finding a site for more housing.
Trees on Winderton Road:-
The Clerk had had a quote of £150 plus VAT from Mr. B. Acreman and it was agreed to accept the quote and ask for the work to go ahead.
MAINTENANCE:-
Sutton Lane:-
needed considerable repairs. The Clerk had reported the two major pot holes and asked for urgent attention. Mr. Drury spoke of the condition of the road in other places especially where the road has risen and its possible to see where cars have scraped the road - this will be reported. Mr. Drury again raised the problem on Sutton Lane where there was a lack of warning to show that there was not just a turn to the right into Jeffs Close but to the two entrances to housing on the left as well. The Clerk said she would try and get more information.
Winderton:-
In the dip in Saltway Lane where water lays needs attention and the gravel etc outside Hall Meadow Farm needs sweeping.
Playing Fields:-
Mr. Righton said he was to get signs for No Dogs in the playing fields. The pedestrian gate needs attention - a new strong spring. Mrs. Woods said the Footpath Group would have these and she would take the matter forward.
REPORTS OF OTHER MEETINGS/COMMITTEES:
Carbon Issues:-
Mr. Cheney said he intended to attend the Meeting in Harbury on September 4th 7.30pm.
Flood Issues:-
There is to be a "Drop In" meeting in Shipston on Saturday Sept 8th in the Townsend Hall between 3pm. and 8pm. Mr. Hyland said his people would be there to ask questions etc.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Nothing further
MEMBERS REPORTS:
None this month
PLANNING:
  • 07/01963/FUL. Hill Barn, Brailes Hill.
    Change of use of redundant agricultural barn to form shooting lodge. No objection but we would like a specific requirement to provide permanent access for bats.

  • 07/02031/FUL. The Free School.
    Proposed conversion of the Free School to form one dwelling together with all ancillary works. No Objection.

  • 07/02095/FUL. 34 Jeffs Close.
    Proposed extension to form additional living accommodation and construct single garage. No objection to the house but object to the height of the garage as it would be very intrusive in this location. We note that according to the plans submitted that the height of the garage is 1 metre higher than in the previous application.
Permission is granted to:-
  • 07/01723/LBC. Saddlers Thatch - for replacements/extensions to doors and windows etc.

  • 07/01482/FUL. Cotswold Cottage - for extension and detached garage.

  • 07/01484/FUL. Springfield Farm - for change of use.

  • 07/01695/FUL. Upper Grove End Farm - for additions.
FINANCE:
Receipts:
£320.00 for two plots in the burial ground.
Meeting closed at 9.15pm. Next Meeting September 24th, 2007.